I heard a term recently that I had never heard before, but that I wish I had come up with: B2E marketing: for “Business to Employee.” Most are familiar with both B2C (business to consumer) and B2B (business to business) marketing and, of course, the concept is the same. This new acronym, though, really hits on a very, very important audience that many businesses overlook. But, while I’ve spoken, written and consulted widely on the important role that employees can play as brand ambassadors, I didn’t coin the term. Darn! That said, Continue reading “Are you practicing effective B2E marketing?”
Category: Employee Communication
Don’t Overlook the Value of Internal Communication!
One of the frequently, and unfortunately, overlooked audiences for many organizations is employees. They are the “first line of defense” for ensuring that your key messages are accurately and energetically conveyed to external audiences. Yet, many organizations fail to effectively enlist employees in these efforts. Continue reading “Don’t Overlook the Value of Internal Communication!”
For Service Organizations, Employees Rule!
I have been working on the development of a training session on developing employees as brand ambassadors for a service organization and, as I’ve been conducting my research and gathering examples, I’m struck as always by the critical role that employees play in either strengthening or damaging the brand, and the woefully inadequate attention that most organizations pay to helping them be successful in that role. The organization I’m working with is a refreshing exception–they recognize the importance of establishing strategy at the top of the organizations, preparing managers to serve as coaches and role models for service excellence and setting the stage for effective employee engagement through communication.
The steps in the process seem fairly straightforward and linear: Continue reading “For Service Organizations, Employees Rule!”
Hiring Missteps and How to Avoid Them
Have you ever made a bad hire? Me too. And while painful–for all involved–as with anything, we can learn important lessons from the missteps we make. We can also learn from the missteps of others. Over the years I’ve learned both through the research I’ve done in writing hundreds of business articles and a number of books on HR-related topics, including recruitment and hiring and, of course, from my own experiences. A reporter recently asked me for some insights about what are the biggest “hiring missteps” I’ve observed. Here’s what I shared: Continue reading “Hiring Missteps and How to Avoid Them”
Key Communication Skills Explained in E-cards
Just as medical students acquire skills in science and math, people with degrees in communication have a different set of skills. They know the importance of creating effective and efficient lines of communication in the work they perform.
Here are three e-cards that explain how communication professionals think. Continue reading “Key Communication Skills Explained in E-cards”
Why Employee Engagement Should Be Part of Your Marketing Mix
Despite the fact that study after study continues to support the critical role that employees play as ambassadors (or detractors) for the organizations they work for, not all organizations are focused, as they should be, on their staff first. If you’re interested in boosting your marketing, you need to first start inside–with your employees. Seem a bit counter-intuitive? Maybe. But consider that, particularly for Continue reading “Why Employee Engagement Should Be Part of Your Marketing Mix”
Change Management: A Business Challenge That Can Be Overcome Through Open Communication
Every organization goes through change. Every individual goes through change. Some manage change more effectively than others. Why? I think there are a couple of reasons. Those who are most effective at managing change–whether individuals or organizations–recognize: Continue reading “Change Management: A Business Challenge That Can Be Overcome Through Open Communication”
Effective Internal Communication Drives Business Success Say Investors
I had the opportunity, recently, to meet with some representatives of a private equity firm that has helped dozens of companies achieve success. Their track record has been impressive and their approach somewhat unique. They don’t just infuse money, they also infuse time, talent and expertise into ensuring that these companies do achieve the success they’re hoping for.
I asked them about the most common issue or problem they encountered when first working with these companies. I was surprised Continue reading “Effective Internal Communication Drives Business Success Say Investors”
The Leader Sets the Tone for Effective Communication
I recently had the opportunity to observe two different group interactions at two different companies and the contrasts were striking.
At one, the entire group–a newly formed group–was engaged, enthusiastic and positive; they interacted openly with their team leader who was inclusive and affirming of their input. In the other, a group that has recently undergone some leadership changes, but has been in place for some time, interactions seemed Continue reading “The Leader Sets the Tone for Effective Communication”
Don’t Hold Back on Employee Communications
As I work with different organizations I’m struck by the variation in their approaches to communicating with employees. Having worked in director of corporate communications roles for several years in some very large companies, my bias is toward communicating more not less. And, I’ve been fortunate that the companies I’ve worked for have been very open, transparent and honest with their employees.
Not all employers take that approach, however, and it’s not a place Continue reading “Don’t Hold Back on Employee Communications”